Would you like to download a copy of this book/website to read offline? Click Here to download the printable PDF version |
Dog Home
Boys & Girls
Parents & Teachers
01. Early Training
02. Train Obedience
03. Dog Tricks
03. Showing Your Dog
04. Problem Dog
05. Making Friends
Resources
Privacy PolicyContact Us
| Part 4 |
| The Problem Dog |
The Dog That Runs Away
I£ your dog runs away when he knows the meaning of the word come, the next time you go for a walk, carry a rolled magazine. If he does not listen when you call him, throw the magazine at his heels, kneel, call him again and praise him while he is coming to you.

The Cat Chaser
The next time you take your dog where there is a cat, carry a small rolled magazine. Put your dog on leash and introduce him to the cat. Hold the rolled magazine and i£ he lunges forward say "NO!" and quickly lower the magazine between them. If he is off leash and makes a dash for the cat, throw what you are holding at the dog's heels and tell him firmly "COME!"
The Car Chaser
Break the habit of chasing cars by arming yourself with two or three empty food cans and one or two empty cartons. Hide in the car while someone else drives. When your dog comes running out, and the car has stopped, jump out and chase him by throwing things at him.

The Playful Biter
When a puppy nips in play, biting is apt to become a habit. When your puppy grabs at your arm or at your clothing, cuff him on the nose and tell him "NO!" After you cuff him, pat him. This annoying habit could make your parents dispose of your dog.

The Serious Biter
Dogs bite for three reasons: to guard, when they don't want to do something, and when they are afraid.
Scold the over-protective dog. Make him understand that he must never attack because he feels like guarding.
Muzzle the fear-biter. Force him in a kind way to let strangers handle him. In time he may get over being frightened.
If your dog resents combing or growls when you take his bone away, rap him sharply on the tip of the nose and tell him you will have none of that! Don't bully him but let him know you are the master.
The Chewer
Confine the dog that chews in a room where he can do little damage. Give him toys and bones made of hard rubber or rawhide, or give him a tennis ball. Wait until you catch him chewing on something he shouldn't, then startle him! Throw something at the spot and tell him "NO!" Throw the object when he isn't looking at you.

The Digger
You may not be able to stop your dog completely from digging but you can discourage the habit. The next time you see him uprooting the flower bed or digging holes in the lawn, toss something at the spot and call out "NO!" Do this every time he starts to dig.

The Dog That Wets In Spite
If your dog wets to "get even," have someone hide where the dog can't see him. Play with another dog or go away and leave him. If out of jealousy or resentfulness he leaves a "spite" puddle, the person hiding can throw something or scold him and catch him in the act.

The Thief
Does your dog steal things from your closet? Balance a small pie pan on the inside handle of the slightly open door. Your dog will make the correction himself when the pan falls.

The Cave Man
Does your dog hide under the chair or the bed and growl when you try to get him out? Ask someone to drive him out by poking at him so he will run to you for protection. When he does, reward him with a pat.

The Dog That Will Not Stay Alone
Put your dog in a room by himself while you or some member of the family are at home to make the necessary correction. Every time the dog barks or scratches to get out, bang on the door or throw a small pie pan so it lands with a crash. In ten or fifteen minutes, if he has been quiet, let him out. Don't make the mistake of keeping your dog with you all the time. Teach him independence!
When a dog will stay alone, owners avoid the problems of barking, chewing and wetting out of spite.
The Dog That Roams
Don't let your dog get into the habit of roaming. Call him back every time he leaves the property. I£ this doesn't work, ask your friends and family to help. Let them stand outside an open gate or at the end of the driveway and when your dog starts to leave, have them block him by tossing an empty carton in front of him. At the same time they should tell him "Home!"

The Dog That Will Not Get Into A Car
Put the leash on and have the dog's collar tight enough so it cannot slip over his head. Get into the car yourself. Then use a steady pull and give constant praise. After your dog climbs in, pat him.
Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...
